2 Gee, Note on the Monthly Variation of Sunshine. 



vital development which Naturalists tell us is noteworthy 

 in this month. The word "May" is itself supposed by 

 some to be derived from Maia, the goddess of increase or 

 growth. 



•May and May-Day have always been favourite themes 

 with poets. Milton, Heine and Tennyson have, for ex- 

 ample, given us well-known poems or sonnets. May-Day 

 was celebrated in ancient times with much rejoicing. On 

 the occasion of one of these Mayings we are told that 

 "the Aldermen and Sheriffes of London had a worshipp- 

 full dinner for themselves and other commers." Lydgate, 

 the poet-monk, sent a joyful commendation of the season 

 of "sixteen staves in meeter royall" which commenced : 



" Mighty Flora, goddesse of fresh flowers 



Which clothed hath the soyle in lusty greene, 

 Made buds to spring with her sweet showers 

 By influence of the sunne shine." 

 Other poets note the influence of the sun. Perhaps, 

 then, our " May flowers" may be due in no unimportant 

 degree to May sunshine, and not only to the "April 

 showers " of the well-known saying. 



GO 



























5° 

























4<j 

 30 







/ '' ' 



'/ 







y : '' 





"-^ 













/Z 



>y 













"**«.« ~-^. 



\>^. 



k Ny 



A 



20 

 10 



STA TIONS. 



A — Douglas. Isle of Man 

 B — Llandudno 















\ 





D 





/ 









C — Gla; 

 D— Sto 



cow 

 xYiiURsr 











\ 



B 

 C 



Jan. Feb. Mar. A pi. May. Jvtn. Jul. Aug. Sep. Oct. Nov. Dec. 



Fig. 1. Curves Showing the Average Percentage of Possible Duration of Bright Sunshine 



during the Years 1880- 1 885. 



I 



